Dear Friends,

As many of you already know, a special opportunity is coming up in April.

A series of courses will take place at Raheen Wood Steiner School in County Clare during the week from April 14 - 18 on Steiner Waldorf Education themes. These courses are appropriate for teachers, parents, and anyone with an interest in self development.

Sign up for an Overview of Steiner Waldorf Education, Artistic Speech, Using Masks to Explore Personality Types, Watercolour Painting, or any combination of the above. Participants are sure to learn more about themselves and at the same time discover why Waldorf education is so unique and valuable in this time.

The educational talks will be presented with warmth and humour by noted author and teacher trainer Eugene Schwartz. This occasion is his first visit to Ireland. If you'd like to know more about his work, you can visit his website at http://millennialchild.com/index.html

Call Ruth Marshall to register at 061 473 866, or feel free to phone me with any further questions.

This week long series is the open portion of the Foundation Year, the first section of the training in Steiner Waldorf Early Years, Primary, or Resource Teacher training. For more information on one or more of these programmes, reply to this email.

Warm Regards,
Jonathan Angus
087 325 9372

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The Irish Steiner Kindergarten Association and
Galway Steiner/Steiner na Gaillimhe Kindergarten Initiative Group
Present
a Workshop with Grace Burton

above Ard Bia at Nimmo's beside Spanish Arch, Galway City on
Creative Parenting of Children under Seven Years
With an emphasis on child development.
The workshop will also include wool felting as an artistic activity and serve as an introduction to Steiner Education.

Sunday 29th March 09 10am-4pm

Cost: €50 (ISKA members €25)possible to become a member on booking
Lunch available in Ard Bia, cost not included
Bookings – Gabrielle - tel: 086 1514492

followed by A PUBLIC MEETING at 4.15pm
to form a committee to work towards starting a Steiner Kindergarten in Galway City. All interested welcome.
www.steinerireland.org

The Irish Steiner Kindergarten Association Presents

A Workshop
with Grace Burton
at Mol an Oige Steiner National School,
Ennistymon, Co Clare, (Next to Vocational School)

Working with Children
How to Create a Healthy Rhythm
Including child development, working with nature, creating a nature table, the importance of play, use of natural materials for craft and play.
The Workshop is suitable for childcare workers in a variety of settings including preschool, after school, creche and kindergarten.

Grace Burton was a founding member of Morning Star Kindergarten
and has worked as a Kindergarten Assistant, Teacher and Afternoon Care Leader
as well as running workshops and children's craft camps.

Saturday 28th February 2009
10am – 4.30pm
Cost: €50 (ISKA members €25)
possible to become a member on booking
Bring Food for a Bring and Share Lunch
Bookings-Kate Haren-087 4179657 after 3pm

“Anthroposophy is a path of knowledge which leads the spiritual in the human being to the spiritual in the Universe”

A SERIES OF MONTHLY LECTURES

Dear folks,
I’m attaching the programme for a cycle of lectures and workshops entitled “ Spirit in Matter”, which will be taking place here in Ballytobin during the course of 2009. These are public lectures and it is the hope that they will attract participants from a wide variety of backgrounds, the talks themselves will cover a wide spectrum of areas of interest.
I would like to warmly invite you to attend and I would also be very grateful if you could bring them to the attention of any group or person who you think might have an interest in any of the content. Also please feel free to forward this message to anyone else.
Thank you
Martin Henry, Camphill Community, Ballytobin, Callan, County Wicklow

Rudolf Steiner (1861- 1925) is probably best known today as the inaugurator of Waldorf or Steiner education, and as a forerunner in the organic agriculture movement.
What is perhaps less known is that these initiatives of his, have their genesis in his philosophy of the human being and the world, which he called
“Anthroposophy.”

According to Steiner, there are two worlds; the earthly and the spiritual. The human being originated in the spiritual world but in the course of development became separated from it. Steiner was insistent that without this estrangement no development of human independence, thinking and creativity could have come about. He also asserted that in our time it is not only possible, but also necessary for our relationship to the spiritual world to be restored, if human progress is to continue.

Steiner’s work covers a broad spectrum and presents us with a paradigm that challenges the reductionist approach which threatens to permeate every facet of our lives. No idle dreamer, Steiner foresaw that a spiritual understanding of the human being and the world could lead to a renewal and transformation of all aspects of human activity. His work has borne fruit in spiritual research and inner work, and in a host of practical applications such as education, social renewal, the Arts, the Camphill movement and many others.

This lecture series aims to introduce some basic aspects of Steiner’s philosophy and their application in life.

Timetable of events

Friday 6 March 2009 8 p.m.
“Who was Rudolf Steiner, what is Anthroposophy?”
An illustrated introduction.
Martin Henry

Friday 3 April 2009 8 p.m.
“Agriculture for the “Futures.” Banking futures or our futures?
Michael Miklis

Friday 1 May 2009 8 p.m.
“Contemporary Spirituality – Does the Irish High Cross have a message?”
A personal odyssey.
Mark Dwan

Friday 29 May 8 p.m.
"Bringing Light into Human Encounter" Finding sources of healing for personal and interpersonal crises.
John O'Connor, Gladys Lydon and others

Thursday 18 June 8 p.m.
"Meditation, the Path to Pure Thinking."
Sean Byrne

Friday 28 August 8 p.m.
"What Happens when we Die?" Exploring life, death and destiny,
Martin Henry

Friday 25 September 8 p.m.
"From Natural Science to Spiritual Science."
Dr Nick Blitz, M.B.

Friday 16 October 8 p.m.
"Making the Invisible Visible" Practical techniques in the Art and Architecture of Rudolf Steiner.
Andre van Schaijk and John S. Clarke

Saturday 24 October (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
"From Crystal Caverns to Computer Screens." A workshop with experiments. Limited to 15 participants. Places must be booked (Refreshments provided).
Dr Malin Starrett

Friday 20 November 8 p.m.
"The Discipline of Speech Formation." Revival of the Bardic tradition.
Danijel Grcevic

Friday 11 December 8 p.m.
"The Christmas story in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke." The wisdom of contradiction.
An illustrated talk.
Martin Henry

The Irish Steiner Kindergarten Association Presents
A Workshop with Ulrike Farnleitner and Linda Grant
at Crannog na Leanai,
Ballymoney, Gorey, Co Wexford
on
Table Puppets
Make simple figures suitable for a nature table, puppet play or imaginative play

Ulrike Farnleitner is a Kindergarten Teacher and Linda Grant is an artist.
Both love working with natural materials and sharing how easy it is to create simple figures to illustrate a story or decorate a nature table.

Saturday 21st March 2009
Time – 9.30am for 10am start - 4pm
Suitable for Childcare Workers, Parents, Grandparents, Students and Children over 10yrs. No experience necessary, materials provided

Cost: €50 (ISKA members, Students, Children €25)
possible to become a member on booking
Bring some food for a bring and share lunch
Bookings-Cathy Lee tel: 087 6254863
www.steinerireland.org

open courses
at Easter 2009
5 days : 14th - 18th April, 9.00am - 5.00pm
at Raheen Wood School, Tuamgraney, Co Clare

Early Childhood Education

You are welcome to join the students on the Early Childhood Education Programme for five days of classes on interesting and creative themes:
An Overview of Steiner Waldorf Education : with Eugene Schwartz
Creative Speech : with Christel Haupt
Watercolour Painting : with Ian Castles
Exploring our Temperaments through Drama and Masks : with Allmut Ffrench

Cost: 85 euros per topic for 5 days
375 euros for full week's programme, including a cooked lunch
Prior booking essential
For more information or to book a place please contact Ruth on tel: 061-473866
or email: training@steinerireland.org

click on image for enlargement

Check out the very lovely newsletter sent to Audrey Flynn from Nepal including seminars, Waldorf School etc:
http://www.childrenofnepal.org/newsandevents/newsletter_xmas2008.html

Barn Dance!!!
ALFA is holding a fundraising, hell raising, dust kickin' American style
Barn dance on Friday February 20th in the Mountshannon Hotel.
The OldTimey music is by Moonshine - Lena Ullman banjo, Johnny Moynihan -
accordian, mandolin etc, Brendan Hearty guitar, a fiddle player and the
real deal caller Frank Hall. This is a great night of music and dancing
for all those of you who enjoy a laugh - everyone is a beginner! You
don't need partners - just bring yourself.
The doors open at 9pm and the first dance will be called at 9.30 pm.
Entrance is €10 and there is a bar.

Y'ALL BE THERE!!!

Gentle Rain Theatre Company, Dublin

Paul Brennan reports: It has been an exciting inception year for the company. Eight workshops in the Michael Chekhov technique were held during the course of the year, five introductory, two continuing and one advanced. 

Links were made to the Theatre Forum, the Irish Theatre Institute, Business to Arts and the Michael Chekhov Europe organisation.  

photos by Katie Reynolds

                                                                                 Paul Brennan second from left

Here is an abridged description of the September Michael Chekhov workshop by the Theatre Forum: 

'The goal of these workshops is to bring a new impulse into the theatrical profession in Ireland, and ultimately to establish Gentle Rain as a permanent theatre company working with Michael Chekhov technique.

Newcomers to the technique are led into psycho-physical exercises, improvisatory and ensemble work, to experience a taste of Chekhov’s techniques through the free expression of the creative self.

Course Director Paul Brennan has worked in the theatre as an actor, director and teacher for over thirty years, and has brought Chekhov technique into his productions for the past eight years. He has taught the technique at universities and professional workshops across Ireland'.

Your interest in and support of this promising initiative is crucial to its success. For more information contact Paul Brennan at 

apecf1@eircom.net 

The Cork Steiner Waldorf Kindergarten, located at the Quaker Meeting Hall in Summerhill, South Cork, will be moving to Susies Field, Blackpool, Cork in September. The new kindergarten is designed by the city council. 

The kindergarten provides a warm safe and healthy environment for children to develop strong limbs, sound creative minds and respect for each other. Imaginative play is given plenty of time both indoors and outdoors and each day a different artistic activity, painting, drawing, crafts, modeling and gardening, takes place. Songs, stories and poems are also an integral part of the day.  

Inquiries: Gail Thomas, 021 431 0581 or 087 774 8299

Christmas Events at the Christian Community in Clare
Christmas Eve, December 24th
Gathering at the community house for all at 5 pm
Gathering to celebrate Christmas 11.45 pm
Saturday, January 3rd 8 pm
Schooling Course part II
Sunday, January 4th
Act of Consecration of Man and Children’s Service. Programme to be announced.

Gospel Readings
Sunday, December 14 … Luke 21:25-36
Sunday, December 21 … Luke 21:25-36
Christmas
Thursday, December 25
Midnight … Matthew 1:1-25
Dawn … Luke 2:1-20
Morning … John 21:15-25
Epiphany
Tuesday, January 6 … Matthew 2:1-12
Sunday, January 11 … Matthew 2:1-12
Sunday, January 18 … Luke 2:41-52
Sunday, January 25 … John 2:1-11
Sunday, February 1 … Mark 2:1-13
Sunday, February 8 … Matthew 20: 1-16
Sunday, February 15 … Luke 8: 1-18
Sunday, February 22 … Luke 18:18-34

Rev. Tom Ravetz 22 Baylie Street, Stourbridge West Midlands UK DY8 1AZ

Phone: 0044 1384 377 190 whilst in Ireland: 087 6486617 tom@ravetz.org.uk

Congregational Correspondent
Anne Benhamanne.benham@yahoo.ie
Treasurer
Fred Hannaford fredhan@iol.ieTel: 061 37 53 91The Christian Community,Bank of Ireland,Killcullen, County Kildare,Sort code: 90-11-40Account number: 25600184
Bookings for the House
Agnes Oertel 087 2185560.
Programme/Newssheet
Please send any articles to Anne Benham.

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STEINER WALDORF SCHOOLS FELLOWSHIP
NATIONAL EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE
(Organized by the Steiner Waldorf Early Years Group SWEYG)
Saturday 22nd November 2008. 9.30-4.00pm at
University of East London, Docklands Campus 4-6 University Way, London E16 2RD

PROGRAMME

9.30 Registration and Coffee
10.00 Singing
Keynote lecture by Joan Almon
Joan Almon was a Waldorf educator of children and teachers for over thirty years. At present she is Chair of the U.S. Alliance for Childhood, which is focused on restoring play to the lives of children.
12.00 Workshops and Discussion groups on the theme
Workshops – Eurythmy, drama, play facilitation, ring time as food for play.
Discussion groups – birth to three, three to six year olds
1.00 Lunch provided at UEL
There will be an SWSF bookshop open during the lunch hour
2.00 Workshops and Discussion groups on the theme
Workshops – Eurythmy, drama, play facilitation, ring time as food for play.
Discussion groups – birth to three, three to six year olds
3.00 Plenum discussion with Joan Almon
4.00 Finish

APPLICATION FORM

NATIONAL EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE

Saturday 22nd November 2008
Conference fee: £40.00 not refundable - for SWSF members *
Two or more from same setting £30.00 each
Late booking (members) £50.00 after October 31st not refundable
Non members £70.00 not refundable
Late bookings (non members) £80.00 after October 31st not refundable
* Members are those schools & settings in the SWSF directory; conferences are discounted for member schools
Cheques payable to SWSF please send with the booking form
Please return ASAP to: 11 Church Street, Stourbridge DY8 7LT
Phone 01384 374116, fax 01384 374142
admin@steinerwaldorf.org

Setting:

Name(s):

Address:

Email: Home phone:

I enclose a cheque for:

Your booking is not finalized until payment is made so please send payment with application form.
If your setting wishes to apply to the travel fund (amounts over the first £30.00) please tick here and a form will be sent to you.
Please note that all participants will be able to attend one workshop and one discussion group. Please indicate your preferences:
Area of interest for discussion groups – Please tick one

Birth to Three

Three to Six

Order of preference for workshops (please bring soft indoor shoes):

Please indicate 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th choices
Eurythmy with Eve McGregor
Play facilitation with Penny Tassoni
Drama with Sue Marshall
‘Ring time as food for play’ with Caroline Glas

HEART Course presents: An Introduction to the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading, writing and spelling by Guest Lecturer Wendy Elliot, Friday October 10, 7:30-9:00
Saturday October 11, 10:00-5:30

Wendy Elliot, lecturer at Trinity College and University College Dublin, advisor to the Department of Education and the Irish Dyslexia Association, will present a weekend workshop introducing the Orton Gillingham method.

This approach to reading, writing and spelling instruction is language-based, multisensory, structured, sequential, cumulative, cognitive and flexible. These techniques are used often in one-on-one tutorials. An intensive sequential phonics-based system reaches the basics of word formation before whole meanings. The method accommodates and utilizes the three learning modalities, or pathways, through which people learn--visual, auditory and kinesthetic.

Venue: Raheen Wood School, Tuamgrane, County Clare
Cost for the Workshop, including reading pack, vegetarian lunch and snacks: 120.00 Euros

For more information on HEART and/or the Workshop contact vcrombie@gmail.com or call 087 325 9372

Learn to be a Waldorf Teacher

The Waldorf Teacher Training Foundation Year is designed as an orientation year for the kindergarten and class teacher training but it also stands as an autonomous one year introductory course in anthroposophical studies and will be of interest to those looking for an introduction to the work of Rudolf Steiner combined with a foundation course in the arts.

Course Structure
The course takes place at Raheen Wood Steiner School in Tuamgraney, Co.Clare and has the following elements:
• Guided study in a study group.
• 8 weekend sessions starting Friday evening and ending at 5.30pm on Saturday.
• Three 5-day Residential sessions in October/November, April and July, coinciding with school holidays at Halloween, Easter and the summer break.

Dates - 2008/2009
Weekend 1 Fri 12 Sep 7.30-9.30pm; Sat 13Sep 8.30am-5.30pm
Weekend 2: Fri 3rd/Sat 4th October
Weekend 3: Fri 5th/Sat 6th December
Weekend 4: Fri 9th/Sat 10th January
Weekend 5: Fri 6th/Sat 7th February
Weekend 6: Fri 6th/Sat 7th March
Weekend 7: Fri 8th /Sat 9th May
Weekend 8: Fri 5th/Sat 6th June

Week1: Tues 28 Oct - Sat 1 Nov; 8.45am—5.30pm each day
Week 2: Tues 14 - 18 April
Week 3: Tues 30 June - Sat 4 July (this date may change, due to venue availability)

The Venue
The course venue is Raheen Wood Steiner School in Tuamgraney, Co. Clare, on the edge of woodland close to Lough Derg and the 1000 year old Brian Boru oak tree.
Course Fee
The fee for the Foundation Year is €1650

To Apply
To apply for a place, please send a letter of intent, including a short biographical sketch, along with a deposit of €250 (payable to "ECEP") to Early Childhood Education Programme, c/o Ruth Marshall, Ballymacdonnell, Bodyke, County Clare

Email: training@steinerireland.org

The Search for Teachers

"Ballyhall Kindergarten" Ballyhall, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.
Our Kindergarten is wishing to employ a Steiner Waldorf Kindergarten teacher from September2008. Ballyhall Kindergarten is set in the picturesque countryside approximately 15km from Kilkenny city in the south east of Ireland.
We are a full day care facility operating Monday – Friday 9am to 2.30pm. We offer a young, positive, friendly and supportive atmosphere. The ideal candidate will have a qualification as a Steiner Waldorf Teacher and be responsible for the care and welfare of children in the kindergarten, working as part of a team.
Fixed term contract from 1st September, 2008 to 31st August, 2009.
If you would like to join our team here at Ballyhall Kindergarten please contact Carol McDonald at 087/9806788 or Brahim Largate at 087/7725725.


Kindergarten Teacher: Kildare Steiner Waldorf School,
Rathargid, Gormanstown, Dunlavin, Co. Kildare
Teacher needed for growing Kindergarten. Current class is full with a waiting list. A Teacher is required to join the current teacher in further developing our group. The ideal candidate would be a trained Steiner Waldorf Kindergarten teacher (or close to training completion), enthusiastic, self-motivated, and able to work well with other teachers. The position would begin in September, 2008 and ideally accommodate additional numbers in the kindergarten leading to two full kindergartens. Our Kindergarten is on our campus, which also includes a primary (lower) Waldorf school, in the lush countryside of County Kildare.
For applications or further information:
Email: info@kildaresteinerschool.org
Web site: kildaresteinerschool.org
Tel: +353 (0)45 401919
Mobile: +353 87 6202783


Assistant: Cork Steiner Kindergarten (February 2008)
The Cork Steiner Kindergarten at Summerhill North, Cork City, is currently looking to recruit an assistant to work with our two kindergarten teachers, starting from September 2008. The ideal candidate will have training in Steiner early childhood education or a strong interest in same with a willingness to undergo training with the support of the kindergarten. As Ireland boasts a wonderful part time teacher training programme this would be a fantastic opportunity for someone to work in a kindergarten while training to be a Steiner kindergarten teacher. For Further details please forward your c.v. with a letter of application to Janemaeve@yahoo.co.uk.